Vending machine



L. K. PICKERING VENDING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 WM 0 Y J Z l m s wk N WK R w 41% 1P I n k. w m 8 A21 2 M m m 1. M 5 6% YB mm" 2 film 2 8. MM. w m F MM M 4 3 a .2 3 a T 4 ii 6 2 8 L. K.PICKERING VENDING HAGHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 4, 1962INVENTOR.

7(0) K. PICKER/V L. K. PICKERING VENDING MACHINE Oct. 6, 1964 12Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 INV EN TOR.

Laura)! K. PICKERM' BY AT ORN EYS FIG. 6

L. K. PlCKERlNG VENDING MACHINE Oct. 6, 1964 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledSept. 4, 1962 INVENTOR.

LEA/0X k. PICKEEIAG BY AT ORNEYS L. K. PlCKERlNG 3,151,773

VENDING MACHINE Oct. 6, 1964 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 H6.ll

INVENTOR.

LEKGX K. PM'KE'PI'VG BY AT ORNEYS Oct. 6, 1964 L. K. PICKERING 3,151,773

VENDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1962 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.

LEI/0X K- P/CKERING Y ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1964 K. PICKERING VENDINGMACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1964Filed Sept. 4, 1962 L. K. PICKERING VENDING MACHINE 12 Sheets- Sheet 9FIG. 20

INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1964 L. K. PICKERING VENDING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet10 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 FIG. 2|

INVENTOR.

Lil/0X K. PICKE'RIMG ATTORNEYS Oct. 6, 1964 L. KJPICKERING I 3,151,773

VENDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1962 v 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 FIG. 22lNvENToR LENOX K. PICKEEIF LL. .41? w ATTORNEYS L. K. PICKERING VENDINGMACHINE Oct. 6, 1964 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Sept. 4, 1962 INVENTOR.

LEIYOX K. PIC KEEIUG ATTORNEYS United States Patent 0 3,151,773 VENDINGMACHINE Lenox K. Pickering, Little Neck, N.Y., assignor to ideal lpenser(30., Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of Filed Sept. 4, 1962, Ser. No.221,034 22 Claims. ((15. 221-425) This invention relates to articledispensing machines and particularly to an improved machine forselectively dispensing a plurality of article types.

In general, the machine of the present invention includes an uprightframe means that supports a plurality of vertically extending stacks forcontaining a plurality of sttacked articles to be vended.

The machine further includes a vertically moveable elevator meansmounted below the plurality of stacks and moveable between an upperposition and a lower position.

Each of the vertically extending stacks is provided with a pair oflaterally moveable article supporting members mounted to the frame meansand positioned beneath the lowermost article in the stack.

The previously mentioned elevator means carries a plurality of tiltabletrays each of which is positioned immediately below a respective pair ofarticle releasing members when the elevator means is at the upper position whereby each pair of article releasing members can release alowermost article from its respective stack and deliver it to one of thetray means. After a tray means has been loaded with an article theelevator means moves to the lower position at which the tray meanspivots and dumps the article on the article receiving platform fromwhich it is presented to the customer.

As another aspect of the present invention, the machine is provided witha novel driving means for the above mentioned elevator means whichincorporates a cam whereby the velocity of elevator movement issinusoidal. With this arrangement the elevator gradually increase itsvelocity to a maximum and then gradually slows down whereby a bottle ofcarbonated beverage is handled without shock and excessive agitation.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a machine ofthe type described that vends bottles from a plurality of verticallydisposed stacks, one of each flavor, which stacks are one bottle wideper flavor. This combines a high degree of selectivity for any givenvendor width.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of the type described that utilizes a single driving motor andsingle holding relay to control a plurality of separate flavor articlereleasing means whereby fewer electrical components are required for anygiven amount of article type selectivity.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved vending machine that includes a vertically moveable elevatormeans for selevtively delivering an article from the outlets of one of aplurality of stacks to an article receiving platform.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedvending machine of the type described that includes a plurality of pairsof laterally movable article supporting and releasing members andassociated mechanism for selectively actuating only one of the pairs ofmembers depending on the type of article selected by the customer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedvending machine of the type described that includes a vertically movableelevator means provided with a plurality of pivotally mounted tray meansfor delivering articles from a plurality of stacks to an articlereceiving platform where the tray means automatically 3,151,773 PatentedGet. 6, I964 "ice dump the article on the article receiving platform fordelivery to the customer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of the type described that incorporates the combination oflaterally movable article supporting and releasing members andvertically movable pivotally mounted tray means for releasing articlesfrom the outlets of a plurality of stacks and for delivering thearticles to an article receiving platform.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of the type described that includes a plurality of laterallymoveable article supporting and releasing members, a vertically moveableelevator means, and a novel drive mechanism for operating the articlesupporting and releasing members and the elevator means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of the type described that incorporates a vertically moveableelevator provided with driving means that inparts sinusoidal motion tothe elevator whereby articles are delivered from the storage compartmentto an article receiving station with a minimum of shock and agitation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of unique design that incorporates a compact array of individualarticle releasing means which provides a high degree of article typeselectivity for any given vendor Width.

it is still another object of the present invention to provide a vendingmachine of the type described that is arranged to fully automaticallyselectively control dis pensing from a plurality of article releasingmeans by the use of a single drive motor and holding relay whereby theelectrical components required for full automation vending are reducedto a minimum.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein preferred forms of embodiments of the invention areclearly shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic View of an electrical circuit comprising aportion of the apparatus of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of an article releasing mechanismcomprising a portion of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial side sectional view of the article releasingmechanism of FIG. 3, the section being taken along the line 44 of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the article releasingmechanism of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cam comprising a portion of theapparatus of the preceding figures;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the article releasing mechanism ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a partial rear elevational view of the article releasingmechanism of FIG. 3 which view illustrates a cam lifting mechanism forthe cam of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the rear side of the articlereleasing mechanism of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are end elevational views, partially in section, of theapparatus of FIG. 9 which views illustrate a lock-out mechanismcomprising a portion thereof;

FIG. 12 is a second partial elevational view of the rear side of thearticle releasing apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 13-15 are partial front elevational views of the article releasingmechanism of FIG. 3 which views show the article releasing members andtray means at various positions during the vending cycle;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the vending apparatus of thepreceding figures;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view partially in section of a lock-outmechanism comprising a portion of the apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a second side elevational view partially in section of alock-out mechanism comprising a portion of the apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a partial side sectional view of a modified version of thevending machine of the present invention wherein the rear wall mechanismis modified to incorporate a unique slide type cam lifting mechanism andalso an associated lock-out device;

FIG. 20 is a broken rear view showing the modified mechanism of FIG. 19,the view being taken along the line 2020 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 19, partially insection, of the apparatus of FIGS. 19 and 20, the section being takenalong the line 2121 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view of an article type selectingmechanism comprising a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 19-21, thesection being taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the article selecting mechanism ofFIG. 22, the section being taken along the line 23-23 of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a broken bottom elevational view of a lockout mechanismcomprising a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 19-23, the view beingtaken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22.

Referring in detail to the drawings FIG. 1 illustrates a vending machineconstructed in accordance with the present invention that includes acabinet indicated generally at 20 provided with a front door 22. Thecabinet and front door are partially broken away to illustrate anarticle releasing mechanism indicated generally at 24 which mechanism ismounted below a plurality of vertically extending stacks 2632.

With reference to FIG. 3, the lower ends of each of the stacks 2632 isprovided with a respective article supporting and releasing mechanismindicated generally at 33. Each of these mechanisms 33 includes twopivotally mounted arms 36 and 38 pivotally mounted to the front wall ofthe sheet metal frame of the article releasing mechanism said sheetmetal frame being indicated generally at 42 in FIG. 3.

Each of the article supporting and releasing mechanisms 33 also includesa rear pair of pivotally mounted arms 36-38, one of said arms beingillustrated in FIG. 4.

The front arms 36 and 38 are mounted to the front wall 40 of the frameat pivot pins 44 and the rear arms 36 and 38 are pivotally mounted to arear wall 46 of the frame at pivot pins 48.

The vertically superimposed articles in each of the four stacks 26-32are actually supported by horizontally extending laterally shiftablemembers 58 and 52.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, front and rear arms 36 andhorizontal member 50 are integrally formed from sheet metal stock. Thesame is true of front and rear arms 38 and member 52.

The lowermost article in each of the stacks is released to a respectivetray means indicated generally at 54 by pivoting arms 36 and 38 tolaterally shift horizontal members 50 and 52. The pivoting of the traymeans is accomplished by vertically moving a cam means indicatedgenerally at 38 said cam means being best seen in isolated relationshipin FIG. 6.

The operation of the cam means to laterally shift members 5t) and 52 isbest illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 where it will be seen that at thebeginning of the vending cycle, FIG. 13, a pair of followers 56 arepositioned above the downwardly and inwardly inclined cam surfaces 58.When cam 34 is shifted upwardly from the position of FIG. 13 to theposition of FIG. 14, cam surfaces 58 force followers 56 towards oneanother and pivot arms 36 and 38 whereby members 50 and 52 spreadlaterally and release the lowermost article 60 downwardly onto traymeans 54.

As soon as tray means 54 is lowered, in a manner later to be described,to a position wherein lowermost article 60 is below members 50 and 52these members are snapped closed to catch the next article 62 by rapiddownward movement of cam 34.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 12 which most clearlyillustrate the mechanism on the rear of article releasing mechanism 24which serves to lift and drop the previously described cam means 34.This mechanism comprises a vertically shiftable plate means 64 whichcarries a plurality of hook members 66 each of which is pivotallymounted to plate means 64 at a pivot pin 67.

As is best seen in FIG. 8 each hook member 66 is pivoted about pin 67 byupward movement of a plunger 68 of a solenoid 74). An upstanding tab 72is engaged by a pin 74 on the lower end of plunger 68 of the solenoid sothat when the solenoid is energized hook member 66 is rotated in acounter-clockwise direction, about pin 67, in opposition to the tensionexerted by a hook return spring 76. When hook member 66 is pivoted tothis energized position shown in dotted delineation the end 78 of thehook moves under a cam lift pin 89, said lift pin being clearly seen inthe perspective view of FIG. 6 as well as the view of FIG. 8.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, cam lift pin 80 and a cam guidepin 82 are provided with neck portions 84 and 86 which extend through aguide slot 88 in rear wall 46 of the frame.

It will now be understood that when plate means 64 is lifted verticallyall of the hook members 66, which are mounted on the plate means, willmove upwardly. Only one of the cam means 34 will, however, move upwardlysince only one of the hook members 66 is pivoted to a position under itsrespective cam lift pin 80 by energization of only one of the solenoids.

The mechanism for lifting plate means 64 is best seen in the rear viewsof the article releasing apparatus shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 12. Theframe of the machine is provided with spaced rearwardly extending sheetmetal flanges 9i) and 92 which pivotally support a pair of plate liftingarms 94 and 96 at the pivot pin 98. The forward ends of arms 94 and 96are slotted at 100 to receive the rearwardly extending flanges 102formed on the upper edges of plate means 64. It will now be understoodthat when arms 94 and 96 are pivoted upwardly plate means 64 and all ofthe hooks 66 are lifted upwardly relative to the rear wall 46 of theframe. Since the previously mentioned cams 34 are mounted on 'the rearwall the only cam that will move upwardly will be the one engaged by arotated hook member 66 at the selected energized solenoid 70.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7, 9, and 12 the plate lifting arms 94and 96 are driven from the lowermost position of FIG. 9 to the uppermostposition of FIG. 12 by rotation of a earn 104 keyed to a drive shaft 1%,said cam being engaged by a follower 108 mounted on the lower side of across member 110 that joins plate lifting arms 94 and 96.

With reference to FIG. 12 when cam 184 is rotated to a position justbeyond the configuration illustrated follower 198 passes a fall 112 inearn 164 whereby plate means 64, and the cam which was lifted therewith,will suddenly drop whereby the previously described article supportingmembers St) and 52 are rapidly moved together to catch and support thearticle above the one that has just been released.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electric motor 116 and reduction gear box 118 fordriving shaft 186. It will be noted that a portion 12% of shaft 106extends through the gear box in driving engagement with a gear train notillustrated.

FIG. 5 shows that gear box 118 is mounted to the rear Wall 46 of theframe by a mounting bracket 122 which includes a forwardly extendingintegrally formed flange 124.

Reference is next made to the mechanism for raising and lowering thepreviously described tray means 54 from the upper position of FIG. 13 tothe lower position of FIG. 15. Such mechanism comprises an elevatorframe indicated generally at 125 that includes a rear wall 128, a rightside wall 139, a front Wall 132, and a left side wall 134.

The front and rear walls of the elevator frame are provided with slots136 that pivotally support front and rear tray mounting pins 138 as isclearly illustrated in FIG. 4.

Pivoting of tray means 54, to dump an article onto a ramp means 140, isaccomplished by the camming action of slots 142 formed in rear wall asof the frame means. This camming action is accomplished by positioningfront and rear follower portions 144 in tracks 142 so that when the traymeans move downwardly follower portions 144 enter track offset 146 andthereby shifted laterally to dump the article 61 onto ramp 149.

The lowering of elevator frame 126 is best understood by consideringFIGS. 9 and 12. In FIG. 9 the elevator frame is in the topmost positioncorresponding to the tray location of FIG. 13. In FIG. 12 the elevatorframe has started to move downwardly to position the tray means in thearticle receiving position of FIG. 14. This is accomplished by driving alever arm 143 about a pivot pin 150 by means of a crank pin 152 mountedon drive shaft 106, said crank pin being extended through a slot 154.The front end of lever 148 is connected to right elevator side wall 130by a shoulder pin that extends through a slot 158.

With reference to FIG. 5 elevator frame 126 is guided for verticalmovement by rollers 161) and 162 disposed in verticaly extended slots164 and 166 in both side wall 168 of the frame means. This structurealso appears in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a lock-out mechanism for mechanicallyrestraining movement of the hook means 66 which correspond with theunselected article stack when the single hook means at the selectedarticle stack is actuated. Such lock-out action is accomplished by alock-out bar indicated generally at 170 that is pivotally mounted ateach end to plate means 64 at the pivot pins 172 said pivot pins beingcarried by flanges 174 formed on plate means 64 as seen in FIGS. 11 and12.

Lock-out bar 179 includes a hook stop portion 175 which is constantlybiased towards the non-lock-out position of FIG. 10 by a tension spring173 connected to motor mount flange 124. The lock-out bar 1743 is movedto a hook obstruction position, FIG. 11, wherein hook stop portion 176overlies lock-out flange 1819, the latter being best seen in FIGS. 8,10, and 11.

Movement of lock-out bar 170 from the position of FIG. 10 to theposition of FIG. 11 is accomplished by moving cam contact point 182arcuately across an inner cam surface of lock-out bar 170. Since the camcontact point 182 is close to the axis of the pivot pin 172 of thelock-out bar and since hook stop portion 176 is relatively remote frompivot pin 172 it will be understood that only a slight lateral shiftingof cam contact point 18?; serves to move hook stop portion 176 arelatively great distance wherein the hook stop portion overlies hooklock-out flange 180.

With reference to FIGS. 17, 9, and 18, the lock-out bar mechanismfurther includes means for latching lock-out bar 179 in the hookobstruction position of FIG. 11 as plate means 64 progresses upwardlyrelative to the frame means so that hook 66 will not remain locked inthe cam engaging position shown in dotted delineation at 78 in FIG. 8.This latching means is necessary so that a hook 66 can drop itsrespective cam 34 as an article is released to tray means 64 so thatsupporting members 56 and 52 is can close to support the stack ofbottles. Such latching of lock-out bar is accomplished by a latch springbest seen in FIGS. 9, l7, and 19.

Latch spring 213 is mounted on plate means 64, along with lock-out bar1713, and including a shank that extends through a hole in lock-out bar179, a latch portion 229, and an end portion 224' that forms anunlatching trigger.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, when plate means 64 starts to moveupwardly and lock-out bar 17% moves to the hook obstruction position ofFIG. 11, latch portion 226 on latch spring 218 latches with the edge ofhole 222. This retains lock-out bar 170 in the position of FIGS. 11 and17. In this configuration latch spring 218 opposes the tension of spring173 enough to release the pressure exerted by cam edge 182 on hook 66when it is in the cam engaging configuration shown in dotted delineationat 78 in FIG. 8.

When plate 64 progresses upwardly from the position of FIG. 17 to theposition of FIG. 18, the trigger 224 on the end of latch spring 218strikes bottom edge 226 of support 91 as seen in FIG. 18 whereby latchportion 224) releases lockout bar 170 and a spring 178, FIG. 10, returnslockout bar 170 to its original position, the lookout bar is then readyfor the next cycle.

The mechanical operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 18 willnow be described in detail, with the details of the electric circuitry,illustrated in FIG. 2, to be described later herein, this circuitrybeing common to both the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 18 and themodified embodiment of FIGS. 19 through 24.

In general, when a customer inserts a coin and depresses one of thearticle selector buttons 185 through 1% motor 116 is energized, via thecircuitry of FIG. 2. This starts rotation of drive shaft 1% and cam 1G4,FIGS. 7 and 9.

At the same time, only one of the solenoids 7b is energized by thecircuitry of FIG. 2, later to be described herein, whereby only one ofthe hooks 66, FIGS. 7 and 8, moves under cam lift pin 80. The shiftedposition of the hook is shown in dotted delineation in FIG. 8.

Rotation of drive shaft 1116 and cam 194, FIGS. 9 and 12, raises platemean 64 whereby the particular hook 66 actuated by its respectivesolenoid 70 lifts a respective cam 34 from the position of FIG. 13 tothe position of FIG. 14 which spreads article supporting members 36 and33 in the manner previously described. This phase of operation is shownin FIGS. 13 and 14 where it will be noted that the lowermost article 60has been lowered onto tray means 54. It should be pointed out that thetray means has already started to move downwardly with the elevatormeans 126 as seen in FIG. 14.

As the rotation of drive shaft 1196 continues beyond the cam position ofFIG. 12, the follower 108 passes cam fall 112 whereby plate means 64drops suddenly causing cam 34 to drop from the position of FIG. 14 tothe position of FIG. 15. This moves article support members 51? and 52toward one another and into underlying relationship with the stack ofarticles.

Continuing with the vending cycle, drive shaft 166 continues to rotateuntil lever 148 has dropped elevator 126 to the lowermost positionwherein tray means 54 is tilted by the cam action of slot offset 146.This dumps article 60 onto ramp 140 where it can be picked up by thecustomer.

Shaft 1&6 continues to rotate through approximately degrees wherebyelevator 126, and tray means 54 carried thereon are raised from thelowermost position of FIG. 15 to the upper position of FIG. 13. Thearticle release apparatus is thereby returned to the startingconfiguration of FIG. 9 and the apparatus is ready for the next vendingcycle.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 19-24 which illustrate a modifiedarticle selecting mechanism indicated generally at 250, FIG. 19, whichmechanism incorporates a cam lift frame 252 including a bottom wall 254and rear wall 256 which is vertically slideably mounted to the rear wall46 of the article releasing mechanism indicated generally at 24.

The mechanism of the embodiment of FIGS. 19-24 differs from themechanism previously described in that the cam lift pins 89, FIGS. 19,21 and 23 are selectively lifted by cam lift slides mounted on the camlift frame and indicated generally at 266 in FIGS. 19, 21, 22 and 23.

The article selecting mechanism 256, including cam lift frame 252, isvertically slideably moveably mounted on the rear wall 46 of main frame24. The detail of the slide mounts is shown in FIG. 21 where it will beseen that rear wall 46 of the main frame is lanced out at 276 to providea flange portion 272 that extends through a slot 274 in rear bracketwall 256 and a flange portion 276 that adjoins flange 272 and overliesthe inner surface wall 256. One of these vertical guide constructions isshown in FIG. 21, it being understood that another vertical guide 270,272 and 276 is located on the other side of the machine and notillustrated.

It should next be pointed out that the previously described arms 36 and38, cams 34 and a mechanism associated therewith, which are mounted onthe main frame 24, are the same as those incorporated in themodification previously described. The cam lift pins 86, however, areselectively lifted, one at a time, by the cam lift slide 262, FIGS. 19,22 and 23, when the cam lift frame 252 is lifted along the guides formedby the slots 274 and lanced out flanges 272 and 276, FIG. 21.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the article selecting apparatus 250is raised by rotation of cams 280 that are keyed to a shaft 282, thelatter being driven by a motor 116.

With continued reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, when cam 280 rotates in acounter clock-wise direction, as indicated by the arrow, a roller orfollower 286 mounted on a cam pin 288 moves along a cam surface 296 on alever indicated generally at 292 the latter being pivoted to a lowerframe bracket 296 at a fulcrum pin 298.

With reference to FIG. 19, as cam surface 299 on lever 292 moves to theright, a lower lever arm 2% moves upwardly raising push rods 362 whichinclude bent over lower ends 394 extended through holes 306 in lowerlever arm 309 and bent over upper ends 316 which extend through holes312 in the side walls of cam lift frame 252.

It should be pointed out that cam lift frame 252 is moved for thecomplete extent of its upward travel when cam 76 move throughapproximately 70 degrees from the bottom pin location illustrated inFIG. 19.

At this point the bottle supporting arms 36-38 fully open. There is thena dwell period of approximately 40 degrees of rotation during which timeframe bracket 252 remains at its topmost position. As cam 280 continuesto rotate an upper hook portion 312 functions to make certain thatroller 286 carries beyond the top dead center position and starts in itsdownward travel.

After the top dead center position of the cam, cam lift frame 252 movesdownwardly under the action of gravity with the downward movement beingaided by a tension spring 314 connected to the side wall of lowerbracket 296 at a hole 316 and to the bottom wall of cam lift frame 252.

It should be pointed out that downward and upward movement of elevator26 is accomplished in the manner peviously described in connection withthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-18. The drive lever 148, however, is linked tocam pin 288 by a link 320, the latter being connected to the end oflever 148 at a pivot pin 322.

Roller 286 on cam 281) is provided with an anti-backup device in theform of a spring loaded latch pin 326 slideably mounted in U-shapedbracket 328 and provided with a compression spring 336, the latterserving to bias pin 326 constantly towards the upper positionillustrated. As the article selecting apparatus 250 descends, and roller286 moves around towards anti-backup pin 326, the roller engages theupper surface 332 of the pin, cams it downwardly, and moves past theroller pin and against the cam surface 296 of lever 292. When theroller, pin and cam tend to rebound slightly, in a clock-wise direction,anti-backup pin 332, which is moved upwardly by spring 330, arrestsbackward movement of roller 286 and earn 280 thereby assuring that themechanism always returns to the same configuration after each cycle.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 21 and 22 which illustrate thepreviously described latch lift slides 260 and the associated actuatingmechanism therefor. Cam lift slides 26% includes bottom walls 240,upstanding side wall flanges 342 and 344, pin engaging tongues 346, andupstanding lock-out flanges 350.

The bottom walls 340 of cam lift slides 260 include flanges 350 and 352which extend downwardly through a slot 254 in bottom wall 254 of camlift frame 252.

A slide return bar indicated generally at 356, and best seen in FIG. 22,extends laterally across the bottom surface of bottom wall 254 of camlift frame 252 and includes slots 366 through which are extended guidecollars 362, the latter being mounted to bottom wall 254 of the cam liftframe by a plurality of screws 364.

It will now be understood from FIG. 22 that when cam lift slide 260 isshifted towards the front of the machine, or to the right as viewed inFIG. 22, the slide is free to so move since slide return bar 256 is inthe forward position illustrated with a flange 368 on the slide 260being spaced from the rear edge of the slide return bar 356.

As seen in FIGS. 19 and 22, slide return bar 356 is normally retainedand returned to the forward position illustrated by a tension spring 402which has one end connected to slide return bar 356 and the other endconnected to cam lift frame 252 at spring 314.

With reference to FIGS. 2l24, the lock out apparatus 260 will next bedescribed. Any one of the slides 260, one being provided for each cam 34and pairs of bottle releasing arms 36 and 38, can be individually movedforwardly by energizing a respective one of the solenoids with thearmature 372 of each solenoid being pinned to a respective lock-outflange 350 at a pin 374. This action causes the selected cam lift slideto move under its respective pin with the actuated position being shownat the lower slide 260 of FIG. 21, and also in FIG. 19. This permitsraising of a respective cam 34 and spreading of a respective pair ofbottle supporting arms 36 and 38 at the particular flavor selected. Inaddition, energization of the solenoid 70 shifts lockout flange 350rearwardly into one of the slots 396 of a lock-out bar indicatedgenerally at 392, and illustrated in detail in FIG. 24.

Referring particularly to lock-out bar 392, the undersurface 394 of thebar slideably carries a plurality of slide elements 396 which arelaterally shiftably mounted to the lock-out bar by a plurality of headedpins 398 that extend loosely through slots 400 in slides 396.

In general, when one of the lock-out flanges 350, at the particularactuated cam lift slide 260, is shifted forwardly by its respectivesolenoid 70, the flange 350 enters its slot 390 and forces slides 396laterally, said slides serving to close all of the other slots 390whereby forward movement of any of the other lock-out flanges and camlift slides 260 is prevented.

As is best seen in FIG. 22, each lock-out slide 350 in cludes a shoulder406 which, when moved forwardly, engages a flange 498 of a motor startswitch actuating bar 410, common to all the solenoids, which actiondepresses a switch actuating arm 412 of a motor starting switch 414.This starts the actuation of motor 116 at the beginning of the vendingcycle and the motor is subsequently maintained in operation by a motorrun switch 416, FIGS. 19 and 20, throughout the vending cycle due *9 todepression of a switch actuating arm 418, FIG. 19, by the outer surface420 of the previously described cam 280.

'It will be understood, considering FIGS. 19 and 20, that actuation ofsolenoid 70 starts the motor via motor start switch 414 which institutesrotation of cam 280. Switch actuating arm 424 on cam 280 maintainsoperation of motor 116 until the cam 289 has rotated for substantially360 degrees at which time switch actuating member 418 of the motor runswitch falls into depression 424 in the cam thereby cutting off motor116.

With reference to FIG. 19, any of the actuated cam lift slides 260 isreturned rearwardly and out of engagement with its respective cam liftpin 80, by rearward shifting of the previously described slide returnbar 356 best seen in FIG. 22. This is accomplished by pivoted arms 420that are pivotally mounted to the side walls of cam lift frame 252 atpivot pins 422. After cam lift frame 252 has been moved upwardly to itstopmost position, and through the dwell period previously described, itstarts downwardly and a lower cam face 450 on the bottom of arm 420,FIGS. 19 and 21, engages a pin 452 on arm 148 whereby the pin cams arm420 rearwardly or to the right as seen in FIG. 19. This shifts slidereturn bar 356, FIG. 22, to the rear against the action of thepreviously mentioned tension spring 402. As the slide bar 356 returnsthe actuated cam lift slide 269 is shifted back to its original positionand the lower face 450 on the arms 421) slides past pin 452. It shouldbe pointed out that lever 421 is constantly biased rearwardly by atension spring 495 connected between lever 420 and slide 356.

It should be pointed out that the inclined upper surface 460 on thelower arm 420 merely serves to let the lower end of arm 420 ride pastpin 452 on the upstroke of frame bracket 252, the only function of thearm occurring on the downstroke of frame bracket 252 when the lower face250 on the bottom of the arm engages cam 452 and shifts the arm andslide return 356 rearwardly.

In operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 19 through 24, reference is madeto the diagrammatic circuit of FIG. 2 which illustrates the previouslydescribed electrical components that include the motor 116 that drivesshaft 106A, FIG. 20, the solenoids 70 that lift the cam lift slides 260and actuate the motor start switch 414 seen in FIG. 22, and the motorrun switch 416 that is actuated by the cam 280, as seen in FIGS. 19 and20.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, when a coin is inserted in slot10, coin actuated switch 194, FIG. 2, closes bridging contacts 544 and545. This energizes a coil 506 of holding relay 501 via wires 502 and534. The armature 507 of relay 501 is thereby drawn downwardly whichcloses solenoid holding switch 565 and thereby maintains the solenoidenergized via wires 502 and 534.

So long as solenoid coil 506 is energized a switch 503, also actuated byarmature 507, is closed thereby connecting article type selectorswitches 186192 with one side of the source connection 500.

It should be pointed out that energization of solenoid coil 506 alsocloses normally open switch 503 which connects normally open motor startswitch 414 with one side of source connector 500. The customer hastherefore established a credit with the vendor.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 the customer next depresses one ofthe article selector switches 186-192 which bridges one of therespective contacts 520-526, a potential circuit having been establishedby the closing of relay switch 503. This energizes one of the selectorsolenoids 70 which moves one of the cam lift slides 260, FIGS. 21-23, toa position beneath one of the cam lift pins 81).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 19-24 movement of the slide plate moves oneof the look-out flanges 350 on the cam lift slides 260 into one of theslots 390 and lock-out bar 392 on FIG. 24 thereby blocking action of anyof the other solenoids 70. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1- 18 lock-out bar170 is rotated about pins 172 to effect lock-out action of the othersolenoids preventing more in than one of the hooks 66 from engaging itsrespective cam lift pin 80.

Operation of the cam lift slide 260, FIG. 22, also serves to energizemotor start switch 414 when a shoulder 406 on lock-out flange 350engages spring 410 and causes the spring to depress motor start switchactuator 412.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-18 rotation of the lockout bar 17 0functions to close the motor start switch 414. After motor start switch414 is closed by energization of a selector solenoid '70 a circuit isestablished through motor 116 whereby rotation of shaft 160A, FIGS. 19and 20, begins which actuates elevator frame 126, in the mannerpreviously described, and rotates cam 280, FIGS. 19 and 20 whereby camlift frame 252 of the article selector apparatus 250 is caused to ridealong the guides 272- 276 since the rods 302 are pushed upwardly byaction of cam roller 286 on surface 290 of lever 292 all of which ispreviously described in detail herein.

At the institution of the vending cycle motor shaft 166A rotates onlyslightly when the motor run switch 416 is closed, FIGS. 2 and 19, whenswitch actuator 418 leaves depression 424 in the periphery of cam 280.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-18 a similar motor run switch is actuatedby a cam mounted near one end of the motor shaft 106. With motor runswitch 416 being closed a circuit is established through motor 116 vialine 502, motor run switch 416, line 532, motor 116, and line 534.

It should be pointed out that the cam actuation of motor run switch 416breaks the holding circuit to relay 501 by the disengagement of contact542 and engagement of contact 543 thereby permitting the relay contactsto open and break the circuit to the article selection switches 186-192as well as the circuit to motor start switch 414.

Shaft 166A, FIGS. 18 and 20, continues rotation of travel past theinitial movement that closes motor run switch 416, and continues liftingboth elevator frame 126 and article selecting mechanism 250. The latteris moved upwardly more rapidly than the former due to the geometry ofthe linkage.

As a result the cam 34, which was lifted by a shifted cam lift slide260, will spread its respective article supporting arms 36-38 atapproximately the summit of the vertical travel of the article selectingmechanism 250.

Spreading of the lower ends of arms 36 and 38 permits the tray means 54,FIGS. 13 through 15, to receive the Weight of the stack of bottles.

The continued rotation of cam 280, beyond approximately degrees ofrotation, causes descent of elevator frame 126 together with tray means54.

The frame bracket 252 of article selecting mechanism 250 also begins todescend whereby lever 420, FIGS. 19 and 20, is cammed rearwardly in themanner previously described, thereby shifting slide return bar 356 tothe rear of the machine, and to the left as viewed in FIG. 22, wherebythe actuated cam lift slide 261 is moved from beneath its respective camlift pin 80. At the same time lock-out flange 350 is withdrawn from itsrespective slot 3% in lock-out bar 392.

As the elevator frame 126 moves downwardly the lowermost bottle, in theparticular stack where article supporting arms 36 and 38 are spread,passes between the arms, and the raised actuated cam 34, being freed byretraction of slide 269, moves downwardly and closes the arms 36 and 38beneath the next to the lowermost bottle on the stack whereby the stackis supported in readiness for the next vending cycle.

As elevator frame 126 progresses downwardly, tray means 54 is tilted bythe oflset 146 in frame slot 142, FIG. 7, whereby the bottle is dumpedinto the delivery shute to a position where it can be picked up by acustomer.

Upon continued rotation of cam 280 arms 148 and 320 raise the elevatorfrom its lowermost position and it continues to rise until motor runswitch 406 disconnects contact 543, FIG. 2, which is effected bymovement of switch actuator 418 back into cam recess 424. At this pointelevatorframe 126 comes to rest withthe' tray means 54 just below thelowermost bottle in the stack. This is the standby position for themechanism. With the motor run switch shifted back to the position ofFIG. 2, contact 542 is closed whereby the electric circuitry is alsoreturned to the standby position.

While the forms of embodiments of the present invention as hereindisclosed constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that otherforms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims whichfollow.

I claim:

1. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is mounted onsaid frame means at the bottoms of a respective one of said stacks, eachof said releasing means being movable from a first position inunderlying supporting relationship with the lowermost article in arespective stack to a second position wherein said lowermost article isreleased; an article receiving platform mounted on said frame means;means for moving said article releasing means back to said firstposition in underlying supporting relationship with said stack; aplurality of tray means mounted to said elevator means; means for movingsaid elevator means from an upper position wherein said tray meansunderlie said article releasing members to a lower position wherein saidtray means overlie said article 9 receiving platform; a plurality ofdriving means each of which is connected with a respective one of saidarticle releasing means; means for selectively operating any one' ofsaid plurality of driving means when said elevator means is in saidupper position for releasing an article from one of said stacks to itsrespective tray means; and means for unloading said tray means when saidelevator means is moved tov said lower position for transferring anarticle from a tray means to said article receiving platform.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said means for. unloadingsaid tray means includes a follower on said tray means and a cam meanson said frame means for engagement with said follower.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said means for selectivelyoperatingany one of said plurality of driving means includes a pluralityof pivotally mounted hooked-shaped members each of which is engageablewith a respective one of said plurality of driving means.

4. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means, each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationsbip' with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means each of which engages arespective one of said followers; a plurality of driving means each ofwhich is connectable with a respective one of said cam means; an articlereceiving platform mounted on said frame means; a plurality of traymeans mounted to said elevator means; means for moving said elevatormeans from an upper position wherein said tray means underlie saidarticle releasing members to a lower position wherein said tray meansoverlie said article receiving platform; means for selectively operatingany one of said plurality of driving means when said elevator means isin said upper position for releasing an article from one of said stacksto its respective tray means; and means for unloading said tray meanswhen said elevators means is moved to said lower position fortransferring an article from a tray means to said article receivingplatform.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 4 that includes a movably mountedlock-out member that is shifted responsive to actuation of one of saiddriving means into a position wherein said lock-out member preventsmovement of the other of said plurality of driving means.

6. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article'releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means 7 each of which engages arespective one of said'followers and includes a first shoulder; aplurality of cam latching members each of which includes a secondshoulder engageable with a respective one of said first shoulders; aplurality of solenoids each of which is connected to a respective one ofsaid cam latching members; a plurality of driving means each of which isconnectable with a respective one of said cam means; an'articlereceiving platform mounted on said frame means; a plurality of traymeans mounted to said elevator means; means for moving said elevatormeans from an upper position wherein said tray means underlie saidarticle releasing members to a lower position wherein said tray meansoverlie said article receiving platform; means for selectively operatingone of said plurality of driving means when said elevator stackedarticles to be vended; elevator means vertically movably mounted on saidframe means; a plurality of laterally shiftable article releasing meanseach of which is pivotally mounted to said frame means below saidstacks, each of said releasing means including a lower portion normallydisposed in underlying supporting relationship with the lowermostarticle in a respective stack; a plurality of followers on saidreleasing means; a plurality of cam means movable mounted on said framemeans each of which engages a respective one of said followers; aplurality of driving means each of which is connectable with arespective one of said cam means; an article receiving platform mountedon said frame means; a plurality of tray means mounted to said elevatormeans; means for moving said elevator means from an upper positionwherein said tray means underlie said article releasing members to alower position wherein said tray means overlie said article receivingplatform; means for selectively operating any one of said plurality ofdriving means when said elevator means is in said upper position forreleasing an article from one of said stacks to its respective traymeans; shaft means rotatably mounted to said frame; driving means forsaid shaft means; a driving linkage connecting said plurality of cammeans with said shaft means for cyclically shifting said cam means uponrotation of said shaft means; and means for unloading said tray meanswhen said elevator means is moved to said lower position fortransferring an article from a tray means to said receiving platform.

8. An article dispensing apparatus comprising,,in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically moved mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means such of which engages arespective one of said followers; a plurality of driving means each ofwhich is connectable with a respective one of said cam means; an articlereceiving platform mounted on said frame means; a plurality of traymeans mounted to said elevator means; means for selectively operatingany one of said plurality of driving means when said elevator means isin said upper position for releasing an article from one of said stacksto its respective tray means; shaft means rotatably mounted to saidframe; driving means for said shaft means; a driving linkage connectingsaid plurality of cam means with shaft means for cyclically shiftingsaid cam means upon rotation of said shaft means; a second drivinglinkage connecting said elevator means with said shaft means forcyclically lowering and raising said elevator means upon rotation ofsaid shaft means; and means for unloading said tray means when saidelevator means is moved to said lower position for transferring anarticle from a tray means to said article receiving platform.

9. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is mounted onsaid frame means at the bottoms of a respective one of said stacks, eachof said releasing means being movable from a first position inunderlying supporting relationship with the lowermost article in arespective stack to a second position wherein said lowermost article isreleased; an article receiving platform mounted on said frame means;means for moving said article releasing means back to said firstposition in underlying supporting relationship with said stack; aplurality of tray means pivotally mounted to said elevator means; meansfor moving said elevator means from an upper position wherein said traymeans underlie said article releasing members to a lower positionwherein said tray means overlie said article receiving platform; aplurality of driving means each of which is connected with a respectiveone of said article releasing means; means for selectively operating anyone of said plurality of driving means when said elevator means is insaid upper position for releasing an article from one of said stacks toits respective tray means; and means for pivoting said tray means whensaid elevator means is moved to said lower position for transferring anarticle from a tray means to said article receiving platform.

10. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is mounted onsaid frame means at the bottoms of a respective one of said stacks, eachof said releasing means being movable from a first position inunderlying supporting relationship with the lowermost article in arespective stack to a second position wherein said lowermost article isreleased; an article receiving platform mounted on said frame means;means for moving said article releasing means back to said firstposition in underlying supporting relationship with said stack; aplurality of tray means mounted to said elevator means; means for movingsaid elevator means from an upper position wherein said tray meansunderlie said article releasing members to a lower position wherein saidtray means overlie said article receiving platform; a plurality of cammeans each of which shifts a respective one of said article releasingmeans; a plate member vertically movably mounted to said frame means; aplurality of cam driving members each of which is movably mounted onsaid plate member and movable into lifting engagement with a respectiveone of said cam means; and plate member driving means for verticallyshifting said plate member.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 10 that includes a lock-out membermovably mounted on said plate member and engageable by any one of saidcam shifting members.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 10 wherein said driving means forsaid plate member includes a shaft rotatably mounted on said frame; acam on said shaft; and a lever pivotally mounted to said frame, afollower engaging said cam and an end connection with said plate member.

13. The apparatus defined in claim 10 wherein said I means for movingsaid elevator means and said plate member driving means are actuated bya common shaft rotatably mounted on said frame means.

14. A vending machine comprising, in combination, frame means; aplurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame means forcontaining a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevator meansvertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality of pairs oflaterally shiftable article releasing members mounted on said framemeans at the bottoms of said stacks, each of said pairs of members beingmovable from a first position in underlying supporting relationship withthe lowermost article in a respective stack to a second position whereinsaid lowermost article is released; an article receiving platformmounted on said frame means; a plurality of tray means mounted to saidelevator means; means for moving said elevator means from an upperposition wherein said tray means underlie said article releasing membersto a lower position wherein said tray means overlie said articlereceiving platform; a plurality of driving means each of which isconnected with a respective one of said pairs of article releasingmembers; means for selectively operating any one of said plurality ofdriving means when said elevator means is in said upper position forreleasing an article from one of said stacks to its respective traymeans; and means for unloading said tray means when said elevator meansis moved to said lower position for transferring an article from a traymeans to said article receiving platform.

15. A vending machine comprising, in combination, frame means; aplurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame means forcontaining a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevator meansvertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality of pairs ofarms pivotally mounted to said frame means below said stacks, each ofsaid pairs of arms including lower ends normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said arms; a plurality of cam meansmovably mounted on said frame means each of which engages a respectiveone of said followers; a plurality of'driving means each of which isconnectable with a respective one of said cam means; an articlereceiving platform mounted on said frame means; a plurality of traymeans mounted to said elevator means; means for moving said elevatormeans from an upper position wherein said tray means underlie saidarticle releasing members to a lower position wherein said tray meansoverlie said article receiving platform; means for selectively operatingany one of said plurality of driving means when said elevator means isin said upper position for releasing an article from one of said stacksto its respective tray means; and means for unloading said tray meanswhen said elevator means is moved to said lower position fortransferring an article from a tray means to said article receivingplatform.

16. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means each of which engages arespective one of said followers and a first shoulder; a plurality ofcam driving members each of which includes a second shoulder, said camdriving members being shiftable from a first position wherein saidsecond shoulder is clear of said first shoulder "-to a second positionwherein said second shoulder underlies said first shoulder; a pluralityof power means each of which is connected to a respective one of saidcam driving members for selectively shifting said members from saidfirst positions to said second positions; an article receiving platformmounted on said frame means; a plurality of tray means mounted to saidelevator means; means for moving said elevator means from an upperposition wherein said tray means underlie said article releasing membersto a lower position wherein said tray means overlie said articlereceiving platform; means for unloading said tray means when saidelevator means is moved to said lower position for transferring anarticle from a tray means to said article receiving platform; andmeansfor locking out movement of all but one of said cam driving membersupon movement of said one cam driving member.

17. The apparatus defined in claim 16 wherein said means for moving saidelevator includes an electric motor and a shaft rotatably mounted onsaid frame means; a switch actuating cam on said shaft; and a motorholding switch means including a switch actuator engaging said switchactuating cam.

18. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks of said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means each of which engages arespective one of said followers and a first shoulder; a plurality ofcam driving members each of which includes a second shoulder and alock-out flange, said cam driving members being shiftable from a firstposition wherein said second shoulder is clear of said first shoulder toa second position wherein said second shoulder underlies said firstshoulder; a plurality of power means each of which is connected to arespective one of said cam driving members for selectively shifting saidmembers from said first positions to said second positions; an articlereceiving platform mounted on said frame means; a plurality of traymeans mounted to said elevator means; means for moving said elevatormeans from an upper position wherein said tray means underlie saidarticle releasing members to a lower position wherein said tray meansoverlie said article receiving platform; means for unloading said traymeans when said elevator means is moved to said lower position fortransferring an article from a tray means to said article receivingplatform; and a plurality of axially aligned lock-out bars mounted onsaid frame means and disposed in end to end relationship, said lock-outbars being laterally shiftable apart at confronting end locationsdisposed in the path of said lock-out flanges of said cam drivingmembers, the total end to end clearance availableto said con frontingend locations being greater than the width of one of said lock-outflanges but less than the width of two of said lock-out flanges, saidlock-out bars serving to prevent movement of more than one of said camdriving members at a time.

19. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means each of which engages arespective one of said followers and a first shoulder; a plurality ofcam driving members each of which includes a second shoulder, said camdriving members being shiftable from a first position wherein saidsecond shoulder is clear of said first shoulder to a second positionwherein said second shoulder underlies said first shoulder; a pluralityof power means each of which is connected to a respective one of saidcam driving members for selectively shifting said members from saidfirst positions to said second positions; an article receiving platformmounted on said frame means; a plurality of tray. means mounted to saidelevator means; a motor for moving said elevator means from an upperposition wherein said tray means underlie said article releasing membersto a lower position wherein said tray means overlie said articlereceiving platform; means for unloading said tray means when saidelevator means is moved to said lower position for transferring anarticle from a tray means to said article receiving platform; means forlocking-out movement of all but one of said cam driving members uponmovement of said one cam driving member; and a plurality of starterswitch means for said motor, each of said switch means including aswitch actuator engaged by a respective one of said cam driving membersupon movement of said members from said first to said second positions.

20. The apparatus defined in claim 19 that includes a shaft rotatablymounted on said frame and operated by said motor; a switch actuating camon said shaft; and a motor holding switch means including a switchactuator engaging said switch actuating cam.

21. An article dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, framemeans; a plurality of vertically extending stacks on said frame meansfor containing a plurality of stacked articles to be vended; elevatormeans vertically movably mounted on said frame means; a plurality oflaterally shiftable article releasing means each of which is pivotallymounted to said frame means below said stacks, each of said releasingmeans including a lower portion normally disposed in underlyingsupporting relationship with the lowermost article in a respectivestack; a plurality of followers on said releasing means; a plurality ofcam means movably mounted on said frame means each of which engages arespective one of said followers and a first shoulder; a plurality ofcam driving members each of which includes a second shoulder and alock-out flange, said cam driving members being shiftable from a firstposition wherein said second shoulder is clear of said first shoulder toa second position wherein said second shoulder underlies said firstshoulder; a plurality of power means each of which is connected to arespective one of said cam driving members for selectively shifting saidmembers from said first positions to said second Positions; an articlereceiving platform mounted on Said frame means; a pl rality of traymeans mounted to Said akvator means; a motor for moving said elevator

22. AN ARTICLE DISPENSING APPARATUS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, FRAMEMEANS; A PLURALITY OF ARTICLE STORING STACKS ON SAID FRAME MEANS;ELEVATOR MEANS VERTICALLY MOVEABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEANS; APLURALITY OF ARTICLE RELEASING MEANS, EACH OF WHICH IS MOUNTED AT THEBOTTOM OF A RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID STACKS; MEANS FORMING AN ARTICLERECEIVING STATION MOUNTED BELOW SAID ELEVATOR MEANS; A PLURALITY OFARTICLE RECEIVING TRAYS CARRIED BY SAID ELEVATOR MEANS, EACH OF SAIDTRAYS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH A RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID ARTICLE RELEASINGMEANS; POWER MEANS FOR VERTICALLY ACTUATING SAID ELEVATOR MEANS BETWEENAN UPPER POSITION WHEREIN SAID TRAY MEANS UNDERLIE THEIR RESPECTIVEARTICLE RELEASING MEANS AND A LOWER POSITION WHEREIN SAID TRAY MEANSOVERLIE SAID ARTICLE RE-